Selective and sequential interrupter for a multiple couple printing press



R. A. BULK ETAL v SELECTIVE AND SEQUENTIAL INTERRUPTBR FOR A MULTIPLECOUPLE PRINTING PRESS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed June 7. 1965INVENTORS ROBERT A. BULK LOUIS P. TOTH ATTQBNEYS .BULK e-rAL 3,461,798SELECTIVE AND SEQUENTIAL INTERRUPTER FOR'A MULTIPLE COUPLE Aug.

PRINTING PRESS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed June '7, 1965 INVENTORSROBERT A. BULK LOUIS R TOTH w ATTORNEYS 08 "mm Am 5 P, m E n K L m u I Bu I, A m, R

SELECTIVE AND SEQUENTIAL YINTERRUPTER FOR A MULTI Original Filed June7,1965

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 k ...s, m H N T N E v T M T A mm WW RI- Y B Aug. 19,1969 original F-il ed June 7, '1965 SELECTIVE AND SEQUENT R. A. BULKQETAL IAL INTERRUPTER FOR A MULTIPLE COUPLE PRINTING PRESS I 4Sheets-Sheet 4 I ROBERT A BULK y LOUIS F? TOTH 7 ATTORNEYS United Patent3,461,798 Patented Aug. 19, 1969 3,461,798 SELECTIVE AND SEQUENTIALINTERRUPTER FOR A MULTIPLE COUPLE PRINTING PRESS Robert A. Bulk, SevenHills, and Louis P. Toth, Broadview Heights, Ohio, assignors toHarris-Intertype Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of DelawareContinuation of application Ser. No. 461,795, June 7, 1965. Thisapplication June 7, 1968, Ser. No. 739,892 Int. Cl. B4lf 5/14, 13/24 US.Cl. 101184 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A multi-unit printingpress includes a plurality of spaced printing units through which sheetstravel in sequence. The cylinder members of consecutive units may bemoved in sequence between their printing and nonprinting positions.Moreover, the cylinders of any one or any combination of printing unitsmay be moved from their printing position to their nonprinting positionby the actuation of solenoid valves which control air motors whicheffect the movement of the cylinders. The solenoid valves are controlledby control switches located at an operators station and which are incircuit with relays which are energized, when the control switches areclosed, in response to a timing signal. The relays in turn effectenergization of the solenoid valves.

This application is a continuation of our application Ser. No. 461,795,now abandoned, filed June 7, 1965.

The present invention relates to a multi-unit printing press having aplurality of printing units arranged in tandem and through whichmaterial to be printed travels in sequence and, in particular, to amulti-unit printing press wherein each printing unit of the pressincludes a pair of cylinders having a cooperative printing position toeffect printing of the material traveling therebetween and wherein oneof the cylinders of each unit may be moved out of cooperative printingposition with respect to the other cylinder so that the materialtraveling therebetween is not printed as it moves through thatparticular printing unit.

When printing material sequentially in a plurality of printing unitsarranged in tandem, such as when printing a plurality of colors, it isdesirable to be able to print only the color and image at each printingunit and to print various combinations of colors on the material. Thisprovides proofs of each color and image and desired combinationsthereof. These proofs are used primarily by the platemaker to determinewhether or not the plate at each unit is properly constructed. Thereare, however, other uses for these proofs, such as in setting up thepressfor running the same job at another time. In order to print suchproofs, multi-unit printing presses 'have been constructed so that theprinting units may be rendered inoperative to print on sheet material,as desired. This, however, has required an excessive amount of time,effort and expense.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is theprovision of a new and improved multi-unit printing press wherein proofsof the image being printed at each printing unit may be made in aminimum amount of time and with a minimum effort of the operator of thepress.

Another principal object of the present invention is the provision of anew and improved multi-unit printing press wherein the units of theprinting press may be selectively rendered inoperative so that materialtraveling therethrough may be printed, if desired, only in an individualprinting unit thereby providing proofs of the image setup of theparticular job being printed.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new andimproved multi-unit printing press having a power means operable tocause different combinations of the units to be rendered ineffective bycausing cylinders of certain units to assume a non-printing position,while others assume a printing position while material to be printedtravels therethrough.

A still further object of the present invention is the provisionof amulticolor printing press having a plurality of printing units arrangedin tandem and a delivery for receiving and piling the sheets from thelast of the printing units and wherein an operator at the deliverystation may view for inspection purposes the sheets being printed andmay actuate a control mechanism located at the delivery station to throwolf a printing cylinder in each of the units so as to render each or acombination of the units ineffective to perform a printing operation onthe sheet material. An operator, thus, may stand at the delivery stationand run proofs of the image being printed by each of the printing unitswithout leaving the delivery station.

A more specific object of the present invention is the provision of anew and improved multicolor printing press where each of the printingunits in the press includes at least two. printing cylinders, one ofwhich is movable out of the a printing relationship with the other so asnot to print on material traveling therebetween, and wherein theprinting press includes a mechanism for effecting throw off of aprinting cylinder of each individual printing unit in sequence inresponse to the detection of the absence of material to print andwherein the press includes a control means for actuating the throw offof one printing cylinder and rendering the mechanism for moving theprinting cylinder of the next unit to a thrown-off position ineffectiveso that each printing unit may be rendered ineffective without afiectingthe operation of the other printing units.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of anew and improved multicolor printing press having at least two printingunits arranged in tandem and wherein the first printing unit includes amechanism for moving a printing cylinder of the first unit to anonprinting position and the second printing unit includes a mechanismfor moving a printing cylinder of the second unit into a non-printingposition and wherein the mechanisms for moving the printing units to anon-printing position are interconnected by a means for effectingactuation of the second mechanism in response to and in sequence withmovement of the printing cylinder of the first unit to its non-printingposition and including a control means for actuating the mechanism tomove the first printing cylinder to its non-printing position and forrendering the interconnecting means ineffective to actuate the secondmechanism for moving the printing cylinder of the second unit to itsnon-printing position whereby either one or both of the printing unitsmay be rendered ineffective.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new andimproved multicolor printing press, as noted in the next precedingparagraph, wherein the control means for actuating the printingmechanisms comprise air motors operable to actuate a mechanism formoving the printing cylinder of the first unit to its nonprintingposition and a second air motor for preventing the means interconnectingthe mechanisms for moving the printing cylinders to their non-printingposition from operating.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved multicolor printing press, as noted in the next precedingparagraph, wherein the air motors are controlled from a control stationat which control switches are located and which control the energizationof solenoids for valves which control the flow of air into and from theair motors.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of anew and improved multicolor printing press having a control mechanismoperable to move a printing cylinder of each unit to a non-printingposition and wherein switches are actuated to actuate movement of theprinting cylinders to their non-printing position and the circuitactuated by the switches includes suitable controls so that in the eventthat sheet material is absent from the printing press when anyparticular unit is in its thrownout position the other unit or units, asthe case may be, will be thrown 01f.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art to which it relates from the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof made withreference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of thisspecification and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a multicolor printingpress embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating parts of theprinting press shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view similar to FIG. 2 butillustrating the parts shown in FIG. 2 in a different operativeposition;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of another portion of the printing press ofFIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the electricalcircuitry utilized in the printing press of FIG. 1.

The present invention provides an improved multi-unit printing presshaving a plurality of printing units arranged in tandem and throughwhich sheetlike material travels in sequence, and wherein printingcylinders of each of the printing units are operable to print thematerial as it travels therethrough and wherein one of the printingcylinders of each unit is movable to a thrown-off position relative toanother so as to render that particular printing unit inoperative toprint on the material as it travels through the press. By throwing offthe printing cylinders of the printing units, it is possible to obtainproofs of the image printed in each unit, as well as the image providedby printing in a combination of the units.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.1 which illustrates a multicolor printing press 10. The multicolorprinting press is a four-color lithographic printing press and includesfour printing units 11-14 arranged in tandem and through which sheetsare fed in sequence to be printed. The printing units are similar inconstruction and each of the printing units 11-14 includes a platecylinder 15, a blanket cylinder 16, and an impression cylinder 17. Eachof the printing units 11-14 also includes an inker mechanism 18 and adampening mechanism 19, all of which are conventional and well known inthe printing art.

The sheets to be printed are fed from a supply 20 by a suitablesheet-feeding mechanism down the feedboard 21 and into the firstprinting unit 11. Each sheet is gripped by gripper fingers on theimpression cylinder 17 and is carried thereby between the blanketcylinder 16 and the impression cylinder 17. As the sheet travels betweenthe blanket cylinder 16 and the impression cylinder 17, it is printedwith a first color. The sheet is then transferred from the impressioncylinder 17 to a double-size transfer cylinder 22 and to the printingunit 12. The sheet is printed in the printing unit 12 with a secondcolor as it travels therethrough and is transferred from the printingunit 12 to a suitable chain transfer mechanism 23.

The transfer mechanism 23 transfers the sheet from the printing unit 12to the printing unit 13, and the sheet is printed with a third color inthe printing unit 13 and is then transferred from the impressioncylinder 17 of the printing unit 13 to the transfer cylinder 24 whichtransfers the sheet from the printing unit 13 to the printing unit 14where the sheet is printed with a fourth color. The sheet is thentransferred to a suitable delivery mechanism, generally designated 25,located to receive the sheets from the last printing unit in line,namely, from the printing unit 14.

The delivery mechanism 25 includes a chain member 26 which is trainedaround a transfer cylinder 27 and a sprocket 28 and which carriesgrippers, not shown, to receive the sheets from the impression cylinder17 of the printing unit 14. The sheets are carried by the chain member26 to a delivery station, generally designated 29, at which the sheetsare released by the gripper assemblies on the chain 26 and dropped ontoa pile, designated 30. The delivery mechanism also includes end gatemembers 31 which engage the leading edge of the pile and which aremovable to the dot-dash position shown in FIG. 1 so that a sheet may beremoved from the pile for inspection purposes. Moreover, as is wellknown, the sheets are delivered to the delivery mechanism with theprinted side up and an operator at the delivery station may view thesheets and the printed matter on the sheets by looking down at thesheets as they are released at the delivery station 29.

The blanket cylinders 16 of each of the printing units 11-14 of theprinting press 10, as is conventional are movable from the printingposition in which they are shown in full lines in FIG. 1 to anon-printing position or thrown-off position in which they are shown indotted lines in FIG. 1. The blanket cylinders 16 when in full-lineposition shown in FIG. 1 are in a pressure relationship with theirrespective impression cylinders 17 and effect printing of the sheet asthe sheet is fed therebetween. When the blanket cylinders move to theirdotted position shown in FIG. 1, the blanket cylinder is in anonprinting and non-pressure relationship with its respective impressioncylinder 17 and if a sheet is fed through the printing units, noprinting would occur in a printing unit in which the blanket cylinder isin its thrown-off position.

Each of the printing units 1114 includes a mechanism for moving theblanket cylinder thereof to its thrown-off or non-printing position, andthe mechanism for moving the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11,12 is generally similar to the mechanism for moving the blanketcylinders of printing units 13, 14 to their thrown-off position.Therefore, the mechanism for moving the blanket cylinders of theprinting units 11, 12 to their throw-off position will be describedherein in detail and it is to be understood that the mechanism formoving the blanket cylinders of the printing units 13, 14 is identicalto that described in connection with the printing units 11, 12 with theexceptions which will be noted hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the mechanism for moving the blanket cylinder16 of the unit 11 to its thrown-oh: position or its dotted-line positionshown in FIG. 1 is generally designated 40. The mechanism 40 includes aneccentric 41 which encircles the shaft 42 of the blanket cylinder 16.The eccentric 41 includes a projecting lug portion 43. It should beapparent that upon rotation of the eccentric 41 relative to the shaft42, the cylinder 16 will be moved between its printing and non-printingpositions, illustrated in full and dotted lines in FIG. 1. The eccentric41 is rotated upon movement of a rod member 45 which is pivotallyconnected to the ring portion 43 of the eccentric 41 and is pivotallyconnected to a block member 46. The block member 46 is pivotallyconnected to the frame of the printing unit 11 by a pivot pin 47 and ismovable about the pivot pin 47 to effect movement of the rod 45 and thusrotation of the eccentric 41.

The block 46 is moved about the pivot pin 47 by a reciprocating plungermember 48. The reciprocating plunger member 48 includes a lug 49 and alug 50 projecting from opposite sides thereof. The block 46 hasprojecting pin members 51, 52 located on the opposite sides thereof tocooperate with the lug portions 49 and 50, respectively, of

the plunger 48. The plunger member 48 is continuously oscillated duringthe operation of the printing press in the direction of the arrow shownin FIG. 2 by means of a linkage mechanism which includes a bell crankmember 55 connected thereto and which is supported for rotation aboutthe axis of the pivot pin 56 and which is pivotally connected to a linkmember 57. The link member 57 is, in turn, connected to a bell crank 58.The bell crank 58 is pivotal about the axis of a pivot pin 59 by meansof a cam member 60 which makes one complete rotation for each rotationof the impression cylinder 17.

From the above description, it should be apparent that upon rotation ofthe cam 60, the bell crank 58 will be rotated causing the link member 57to be reciprocated and causing the bell crank 55 to likewise be rotatedabout the pivot pin 56, causing movement or oscillation of the plungermember 48 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2. From the above,it should also be apparent that if the plunger member 48 is in positionso that lug 49 thereof engages the pin member 51 carried by the blockmember 46 upon oscillation thereof, the blanket cylinder 16 will bemoved to its thrown-on position or to its printing position. These partsare shown in their thrown-on position in FIG. 3. If the plunger member48 is in position to engage the pin member 52, it will effect movementof the block member 46 in the reverse direction, and the blanketcylinder 16 will be moved to its thrown-off position. The thrown-offposition of the parts is shown in FIG. 2. The plunger 48, once it hasmoved the block member 46, will of course, continue to oscillate.However, it will not effect any movement of the block member.

The printing unit 11 includes means for actuating the mechanism 40 formoving the blanket cylinder 16 between its positions. The mechanism foractuating the mechanism 40 to effect movement of the blanket cylinder 16includes means for moving the plunger member 48 between its positionsshown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Specifically, the means for moving the plungermember between these positions includes a rod member 65 which, whenmoved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2, will cause movementof the plunger member from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the positionshown in FIG. 3. When the plunger member 48 is moved to the positionshown in FIG. 3, it will upon oscillation thereof effect movement of theblanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 into its thrown-on positionfor effecting printing of the sheet material being conveyed between theblanket cylinder and the impression cylinder 17.

Movement of the rod member 65 in the direction opposite the direction ofthe arrow shown in FIG. 2 will cause movement of the plunger member 48from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position of FIG. 2 and when theplunger member 48 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 2, the lugportion 50 of the plunger member 48 engages the pin member 52 on theblock member 46 and effects movement of the blanket cylinder 16 to itsthrownoff position.

With the plunger member 48 in the position shown in FIG. 2, the rodmember 65 may be moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 toactuate the mechanism 40 for throwing on the blanket cylinder 16 bymanual actuation of a handle 70. Actuation of the handle 70 in adownward direction, as viewed in FIG. 2 causes movement of a link member71 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2. When the linkmember 71 moves in the counter-clockwise direction, a rod member 72, towhich it is connected, is moved downwardly. The rod member 72 ispivotally connected to the link member 71 and is moved downwardly inresponse to movement of the link member 71. A block member 73 is carriedby the rod member 72 and is likewise moved downwardly when the rodmember 72 is moved downwardly. A suitable spring encircles the rodmember 72 and at one end engages the block 73 and at the other endengages a collar member 75 on the rod member 72.

The block member 73 is connected with a bell crank arm 7511 which issupported for pivotal movement about the axis of a pivot pin 76. Whenthe bell crank arm member 75a moves downwardly, with the block 73, theleg member 75b of the bell crank moves in the direction of the arrowshown in FIG. 2. When the bell crank member 75b moves in the directionof the arrow shown in FIG. 2, it moves a block 77 which is slidablysupported on the rod 65 to the left in the direction of the arrow, asshown in FIG. 2. Movement of the block 77 to the left, as shown in FIG.2, causes compression of a spring 78 which is interposed between theblock 77 and a collar member 79 fixedly secured on the rod member 65.The compression of the spring 78 effects movement of the rod member 65in the direction of the arrow to move the plunger member 48 to itsposition to move the cylinder 16 into its thrown-on position. Themovement of the plunger member 48 is such that it clears the pin member51 so that the lug portion 49 thereof engages the pin member 51 on thenext oscillation thereof.

From the above, it can be seen that with the parts in the thrown-offposition shown in FIG. 2 upon depression of the handle 70, the blanketcylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 is moved to its thrown-on positionin pressure relationship with the impression cylinder 17. The handlemember 70 is latched in its actuated position by a suitable latchmechanism, not shown, to hold the plunger member 48 in the positionshown in FIG. 3 so that the blanket cylinder 16 remains in its thrown-onposition. Release of this latch mechanism, causes the springs 74 and 78to effect movement of the rod 65 and plunger 48 to its off position. Thespring 78 causes the block 77 to engage a stop 77a on the rod member 65to effect this throw-off movement. The absence of a sheet is sensed, asis conventional, and in response to this sensing the latch mechanism isreleased to effect throw-off of the printing cylinders. Moreover,depression of the handle 70, as described hereinabove to effect throw-onmovement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 also effectsactuation of a limit switch 80 through a suitable switch actuatingmechanism 81. Actuation of the limit switch 80 causes the printing pressto begin running at full press speed and this switch will be describedin relation to the present invention in greater detail hereinbelow.

The rod member 65 may also be moved in either direction in order toeffect throw on and throw off of the blanket cylinder 16 by an operatormanually engaging a handle 86 which is connected with a block member 87fixedly connected to the rod member 65. In the event that the plungermember 48 is in its thrown-off position, as shown in FIG. 2, the rodmember 65 may be moved in the direction of the arrow by the actuation ofthe handle 86, shown in FIG. 2, to move the plunger member 48 to its onposition, shown in FIG. 3, to effect throw-on movement of the blanketcylinder 16 of the printing unit 11. An operator may manually engage thehandle 86 t move the rod member 65 in a direction opposite that indicated by the arrow to effect movement of the plunger member 48 to its offposition to effect movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printingunit 11 to its thrownoff position.

The printing unit 12 also includes a mechanism 90 for moving the blanketcylinder 16 between its printing and nonprinting positions in pressurerelationship with the impression cylinder 17 and out of pressurerelationship with the impression cylinder 17 of the printing unit 12.The mechanism 90 for moving the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit12 between its printing and nonprinting positions is similar to themechanism described hereinabove in connection with the printing unit 11.The mechansm 90 for moving the blanket cylinder between its positionsincludes an eccentric 91 operatively connected with the blanket cylinder16 and when rotated is operable to effect movement of the blanketcylinder 6 to between its printing .and nonprinting positions, shown infull and dotted lines in FIG. 1. The eccentric 91 has a lug portion 92to which one end of a rod member 93 is pivotally connected. The otherend of the rod member 93 is pivotally connected to a block member 94.The block member 94 has a pin member 95 and a pin member 96 projectingfrom opposite portions thereof and is pivotally supported for pivotalmovement about the axis of a pivot pin 94a. The block member 94 whenpivoted about its pivot axis effects rotation of the eccentric 91 which,in turn, effects movement of the blanket cylinder between its positions.

The block member 94 is moved about the axis of pivot pin 94a by means ofa plunger member 97 which oscillates in a vertical direction, asindicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 2. The plunger member 97 hasoppositely projecting lug portions for engaging the pin members 95, 96to effect movement of the block member 94 about the pivot axis 94a, inthe same manner as the plunger member 48 which is operable in connectionwith the printing unit 11. The plunger member 97 is pivotally connectedto one leg of a bell crank member 98 by a pin member 99. The bell crankmember 98 is pivotally supported for rotation about the axis of a pivotpin 100. The other leg of the bell crank member 98 is pivotallyconnected with a reciprocating link member 10.1 which is, in turn,connected with a bell crank member 102 which is supported for pivotalmovement about the axis of a pivot pin 103. The bell crank member 102has a cam follower 105 which runs in engagement with a cam 104 which isfixed for rotation upon rotation of the impression cylinder 17 of theprinting unit 12. From the above description, it should be apparent thatupon rotation of the impression cylinder 17 of the printing unit 12, thebell crank member 102 is rocked about the axis of the pivot pin 103causing reciprocatory movement of the link member 101 which, in turn,causes rocking movement of the bell crank 98 about the axis of the pivotpin 100. This rocking movement of the bell crank 98 effectsreciprocatory movement of the plunger member 97 and the plunger member97 will effect movement of the block member 94, depending upon therelative position thereof.

The printing press includes a means interconnecting the mechanism formoving the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 into and out ofprinting position and the mechanism 90 for moving the blanket cylinder16 of the printing unit 12 into and out of printing position. Thisinterconnecting means is generally desigated 110 in the drawings and isoperable to effect actuation of the mechanism 90 for moving the blanketcylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 to a thrown-on or thrown-offposition in timed relation and, specifically in response to and insequence with movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit11 to its thrownoff position. The mechanism 110 is thus operable toactuate the mechanism 90 to effect movement of the blanket cylinder ofthe second printing unit in response to movement of the blanket cylinder16 of the first printing unit to its non-printing position.

The mechanism 110 includes a link member 110a pivotally connected to theblock member 46 of the mechanism 40. The link member 110:: is connectedwith a rod member 111. The rod member 111 has an actuating block member112 slidably supported thereon between spring members 113 and 114. Thespring member 113 engages the block member 112 and engages a portion ofthe link member 110a. The spring member 114 also engages a portion ofthe block 112 opposite the portion engaged by the spring member 113 andengages a stop member 115 fixedly connected to the rod 111. The blockmember 112 is pivotally connected to .a plunger member 120. The plungermember is pivotally connected to one arm of a bell crank member 122 by apivot pin 122a and is oscillated in the direction of the arrow shown inFIG. 2 by a bell crank mechanism 122. The other arm of the bell crankmember 122 carries a cam follower 123 which runs in engagement with acam 124 carried by the shaft of the transfer cylinder 22 and uponrotation of the transfer cylinder 22, causes oscillation of the plungermember in the direction of the arrow, as should be apparent. The cammember 124 has two raised portions to effect oscillation of the plungermember 120 once for each sheet carried by the transfer cylinder 22. Thetwo cam portions are provided because the transfer cylinder 22 is adouble-size transfer cylinder and, therefore, the plunger 120 operatestwice for each revolution of the transfer cylinder 22.

The plunger member 120 cooperates with a block member in a mannersimilar to the manner in which the plunger member 48 cooperates with theblock 46, as described hereinabove. The block member 130 carries spacepin members 131, 132 and is pivotally connected for pivotal movementwhen the plunger member 120 and, specifically, when opposite lugportions thereof engage the pins 131, 132. The plunger member 120 haslug portions 133, 134 adapted to engage the pin members 131, 132,respectively, to effect pivoting movement of the block member 130. Theplunger member 120 is in the position shown in FIG. 2 when the printingpress is not in operation and the blanket cylinders of the printingunits are in their non-printing position. Upon clockwise movement of theblock member 46, the block 1.12 will be moved vertically and the plungermember 120 will be moved vertically, as shown in FIG. 2, to the positionshown in FIG. 3. When the block member 120 moves to the position shownin FIG. 3, it will on oscillation engage the pin member 131 and effectmovement of the block member 130 from the position shown in FIG. 2 tothe position shown in FIG. 3.

Movement of the block member 130 to the position shown in FIG. 3 effectsmovement of a link member in a downward direction, as viewed in FIG. 2.Movement of the link 140 in a downward direction, as viewed in FIG. 2,causes downward movement of a rod member 141 which is connected with thelink member 140. The rod member 141 carries a block member 142 in thesame manner as the block member 112 is carried by the rod 111. The blockmember 142 is pivotally connected to one arm of a bell crank member 143which is pivotally supported for rotation relative to a pin member 103about the axis thereof. The other arm of the bell crank member 143 ispivotally connected to a push rod 144. The push rod 144 is moved in thedirections of the arrows shown in FIG. 2 upon movement of the blockmember 142 and effects movement of the plunger member 97 between itsthrow-on and throw-off positions upon movement thereof.

It can be seen from the above description that the mechanism 110actuates throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printingunit 12 upon throwoff movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of theprinting unit 11. Moreover, it should be apparent that upon throwonmovement of the blanket cylinder 16, the mechanism of the printing unit11, the mechanism 110, will effect throw-on movement of the blanketcylinder 16 of the printing unit 12. The operation of this mechanismshould be clear from the description hereinabove. Assuming that theprinting press is in its thrown-off position, and it is desired to throwon the blanket cylinders, as noted hereinabove, the plunger 48 will bemoved to efiect clockwise pivoting movement of the block member 46 aboutthe axis of the pivot pin 47. This effects vertical movement of the linkmember 110a and vertical movement of the block 112, as shown in FIG. 2.The plunger memher 120 is thus moved from the position shown in FIG. 2to the position shown in FIG. 3 and causes lowering movement of the link140 and the rod 141 which causes lowering movement of the block 142.Lowering of the block 142 effects movement of the push rod 144 in thedirection of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 so as to move the plunger member97 to the position shown in FIG. 3, which is the throw-on position ofthe printing unit. In the event that the plunger 48 is moved to itsthrown-off position from its thrown-on position, the link member 110 islowered causing lowering movement of the block member 112, which, inturn, causes lowering movement of the plunger member 120. When theplunger member 120 is lowered from the position shown in FIG. 3 to theposition shown in FIG. 2, the lug member 134 thereof engages the pin 132and effects pivoting movement of the block 130 in a clockwise direction.When the block member 130 is pivoted in this manner, it raises themember 140 and causes raising movement of the block member 142, causingpivoting movement of the bell crank 143 in a counterclockwise directionabout the axis of the pivot pin 103 and causes movement of the push rod144 in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrow to move theplunger member 97 out of engagement with the pin 95 so as to engage thepin 96 on the next vertical movement thereof to effect throw-offmovement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12.

The blanket cylinders 16 of the third and fourth printing units 13, 14of the printing press are similarly constructed so as to be movedbetween their thrown-on and thrown-off positions, shown in full anddotted lines in FIG. 1, by a structure which is generally similar to thestructure described hereinabove in connection with the printing units11, 12. In view of the fact that the structure is similar, the mechanismused in conjunction with the printing units 13, 14 will not be describedin detail. There are, however, some differences, and the main differenceis in the mechanism for throwing on the printing units when the printingpress is initially started and throwing off the printing units when theabsence of a sheet is sensed.

As described hereinabove, when the printing press is initially started,the handle 70 is depressed causing throwon movement of the blanketcylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 and in sequence therewith throw-onof the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12. The sheet is printedwith a first color in the printing unit 11 and then is printed with thesecond color in the printing unit 12. The sheet is then transferred tothe delivery mechanism 23 and is delivered to the printing unit 13 whereit is to receive the next color. As the sheet is being transmitted tothe printing unit 13, a photocell, designated 150 and shown in FIG. 1,senses the presence of the sheet and effects energization of a solenoid151, shown in FIG. 4, and which is operable when energized to effectmovement of the blanket cylinder 16 in the printing unit 13 to itsprinting position.

When the solenoid 151 is energized, it moves a link member 152 to theright, as shown in FIG. 4. Movement of the link member 152 to the rightcauses movement of a toggle linkage, generally designated 153, from thedotted position shown in FIG. 4 to the full-line position shown in FIG.4. This movement of the toggle linkage 153 causes extension of thetoggle linkage 153 and causes lowering movement of a link member 155.The link member 155 is connected with one arm of a bell crank mechanism156. The other end of the bell crank mechanism 156 is connected with ablock member 160 which is moved in the direction toward the left, asviewed in FIG. 4, when the solenoid 151 is energized. Movement of theblock member 160 to the left, as shown in FIG. 4, effects thrown-onmovement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 13 in the samemanner as the printing unit 11 is thrown on upon movement of the block77, as described hereinabove.

Throw-on movement of the blanket cyinder 16 of the printing unit 13 iseffected by a mechanism similar to that described hereinabove inconnection with the printing unit 11. The throw-on movement of theblanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 14 is effected in sequence andin response to throw-on movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of theprinting unit 13 by a mechanism similar to that described hereinabove inconnection with the printing units 11, 12.

The printing press 10, as is conventional and as noted hereinabove, isconstructed so as to effect throw-off movement of the blanket cylindersof the printing units 11, 12, 13, and 14 in sequence when a sheet is notproperly fed to the printing press. A suitable sheet detector is usedfor this purpose and which is not shown. The sheet detector is used inconnection with the feeding mechanism for feeding the sheets to thefirst printing unit 11. In the event that the absence of a sheet isdetected in advance of the printing unit 11, the sheet detectormechanism is operable to release the latch, described hereinabove, tohold the handle 70 in the thrown-on position and release of the latcheffects movement of the handle 70 to its thrown-01f position and, asdescribed hereinabove, the blanket cylinder 16 of the first printingunit 11 is thereby moved to its thrown-off position. The blanketcylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 is then thrown ofi in sequence withthe blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11, as described hereinabove.

When the photocell detects the absence of a shee being delivered to theprinting unit 13, the solenoid 151 thereof is de-energized, and sincethe solenoid 151 is spring loaded to its off position, the togglelinkage 153 moves to the dotted position shown in FIG. 4. When thetoggle linkage 153 moves to the dotted position shown in FIG. 4, thebell crank member 156 is moved so as to effect movement of the blockmember 160 to the right, as viewed in FIG. 4, causing throw-off movementof the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 13. The blanket cylinder16 in the printing unit 14 is then thrown off in response to and insequence with the throwing 01f movement of the blanket cylinder 16 ofthe printing unit 13, in a manner described hereinabove in connectionwith the printing units 11, 12.

In multicolor printing presses, as described hereinabove, it isdesirable to print proofs of the image and color to be printed in eachof the printing units. It is also desirable to print proofs ofcombinations of the colors to be printed in the various units. Theseproofs may be used to correct the plates in the event that the proofsshow some defect therein. The proofs may also provide for and facilitatesetup of the particular job for the next run, all of which is wellunderstood in the printing art. For example, it would be desirable toprint sheets with only the color and image to be printed in the printingunit 11, or 12, 13, 14. Moreover, it is desirable to print combinationsof the colors to be printed in these printing units, such as forexample, the combination of colors printed in printing ;units 13, 14. Ithas been found desirable to print all the combinations of colors whichinclude one unit and then print all the combinations which include thenext unit. For example, first printing in units 11, 12, then in 11, 13,then in 11, 14, then in 11, 12, 13 and so on as desired. The printing ofthe combinations involving units 12, 13, 14 would then follow, asdesired and required. It should be apparent from the above, that inorder to print only the color and image in the printing unit 11, theprinting units 12, 13 and 14 must be rendered inoperative and may berendered inoperative and ineffective to print by movement of the blanketcylinders thereof to their thrown-off positions. When the blanketcylinder of any one of the printing units is moved to its thrown-offposition and sheets are printed in another unit or units, ink from theinker mechanism and water from the dampener build up in the inker anddampener mechanism, thus rendering many sheets printed in this unitdefective when it is thrown on. It is thus desirable to speed theprinting of the proofs so that any one unit is not thrown off for toolong a period of time causing an excessive build-up of ink and dampeningsolution.

In accordance with the present invention, the printing press is providedwith a control means for effecting throw-off movement of the blanketcylinder of any one of the printing units independently of the otherblanket cylinders of the other units. The control means is operable toselectively actuate different combinations of the mechanisms to causethe blanket cylinders of different combinations of the units to assume anon-printing position while other cylinders assume a printing positionas sheets to be printed travel therethrough. The control means, ingeneral, includes a power means connected with a source of power and themechanisms for moving the blanket cylinders to their non-printingposition. The power means is operable to actuate the mechanism 40 formoving the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit to its onposition and rendering the interconnecting means 110 ineffective tothrow off the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12, as is itsnormal operation, as described hereinabove. Moreover, the power meansprovides for actuating the mechanism 90 for throwing off the blanketcylinder of the printing unit 12 independently of throwoff movement ofthe blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11. Moreover, the controlof printing units 13, 14 is effected in a similar manner so that any oneof the blanket cylinders of any of the printing units may be thrown offwithout effecting throw-off of the other blanket cylinders, and thus anycombination of blanket cylinders may be thrown off by the presentmechanism in order to provide for printing of any combination of colorsor for printing any individual color on sheets conveyed through thepress.

The throw-off of the blanket cylinders by actuation of the controlmeans, to be described hereinbelow, is effected without stoppingoperation of the press and without requiring the operator to move fromthe inspection or delivery station where the sheets which are beingprinted are delivered.

The control means is actuated from a control panel 160 shown in FIG. 1and located at the delivery station. An operator at the delivery stationmay view and inspect the sheets which are being printed, and he may, asdesired, actuate the control mechanism for throwing off any one of theblanket cylinders of any one of the printing units independently ofmovement of the blanket cylinders of the other printing units and,thereby effect printing of sheets with only one of the colors or anycombination of the colors without leaving the delivery station. Theoperator may inspect the sheets as they are delivered at the deliverystation, either by viewing the sheets as they are dropped on the pile orby removing the sheets from the delivery pile, as noted above. Forexample, the operator may first desire a proof of the color and imagebeing printed "by the printing unit 14. In this case, the blanketcylinders of the printing units 1113 are moved to their thrown-offposition, and the sheets are run through the press and will be printedwith only, the image and color which is printed by the printing unit 14.When these sheets are delivered at the station, the operator may inspectthem and he will run the press in this condition until he is satisfiedthat the sheets which are being run are of the best quality possible. Hemay then throw off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 14 andthrow on the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 13 and then runthe press with the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit. 13 on only.He will then let the press run until he receives sheets which are of thebest possible quality from the printing unit 13. This he may repeat withthe printing units 11, 12 and thereby have a collection of sheets withonly the color being printed in the individual printing units. He maythen desire to run combinations of colors which are being printed in theprinting units, such as the combination of units 13, 14. In this case,he will throw on the blanket cylinders of the printing units 14 and 13and throw off the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11 and 12 andthen run sheets until the color combination is of the best quality. Allcombinations of colors may be printed in this manner until the operatoris satisfied that he has collected the necessary proofs, either to beused for correction of the plates or which may be used in setting up thepress for the next job, as is well understood in the printing art.

The specific control means for effecting the printing of the progressiveproofs, as described hereinabove, is actuated from the control panel160. The control panel has a plurality of control members, such asactuators for switches, equal in number to the number of printing unitsand generally designated 161, 162, 163, and 164. A so-called initiateproof switch is also provided on the control panel 160. The switches161, 162, 163, 164 may be operated in any predetermined sequence ortogether and each switch, when actuated, effects throwoff of only theblanket cylinder of the particular printing unit with which it isassociated. The particular circuit in which these switches are locatedwill be described in detail hereinbelow.

In general for present purposes, when the switches 161-164 are actuated,solenoids are actuated which, in turn, actuate the control means forthrowing off the blanket cylinders of the various printing units. Thecontrol means actuated by the switches for throwing off the blanketcylinders of the individual printing units 11, 12 is identical to thatof the printing units 13, 14 and the specific structure of the throw-offmechanism for the printing units 11, 12 only will be described for thisreason.

The control means for independently throwing on and throwing off theblanket cylinders of the printing units 11, 12 includes power meanswhich, in the preferred embodiment, is in the form of a pair of fluidmotors 170, 171. The fluid motors 170, 171 are preferably air motors,and motor is a single-acting air motor, while the air motor 171 isdouble-acting. The air motor 170 is operable to effect movement of therod member 65 in a throw-off direction, and when energized effectsmovement of the rod member 65 in a direction to the right, as viewed inFIG. 2, so as to effect actuation of the mechanism 40 to effect throwingoff of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11.

The double-acting air motor 171 is operable to render the mechanism 110,which is operable to effect operation of the mechanism 90 for throwingoff the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 upon throwing off ofthe blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11, ineffective when theblanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 is thrown off by the motor170. Moreover, the double-acting air motor 171 is operable to effectthrow off of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 withouteffecting throwoff movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printingunit 11. Thus, it should be apparent that the motors 170, 171 areoperatively associated with the mechanisms described hereinabove so asto effect throw-on and throwoff movements of the blanket cylinders ofthe printing units 11, 12 independently so that either one or the other,or both, of the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11, 12 may bethrown off, so as to render the printing units 11, 12 ineffective toprint on the sheet material being conveyed therethrough.

The air motor 170 is operatively connected with the rod member 65 toeffect movement of the rod member 65 to the right upon energization ofthe air motor 170. The air motor 170 is fixedly supported adjacent theend of the rod member 65 and includes a piston rod 175 connected with ablock 176 which, in turn, is connected to the end of the rod member 65.Energization of the air motor 170 effects movement of the rod member 175to the right, as

viewed in FIG. 2, and effects corresponding movement of the rod member65 to the right to effect actuation of the mechanism 40 for throwing offthe blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 by moving the plunger 48to its position shown in FIG. 2.

The air motor 170 is energized upon actuation of a conventional solenoidair valve 177 having a solenoid 177a associated therewith which controlsthe flow of air from a power source, such as a pump through a conduit173 to one side of the piston of the air motor 170, The piston andpiston rod 175 of the air motor 170 are thus moved to the right, asviewed in FIG. 2 to effect the throw-off movement of the blanketcylinder of the printing unit 11. Upon de-energization of the air valve177 the air pressure on the left side of the piston of the air motor 170is dumped; a suitable spring, not shown, returns the piston toitsprevious position. The 'right side of the cylinder of the air motor 170is provided with a suitable vent 180. with a filter therein so that nodirty air is sucked into the right end of the cylinder uponde-energization of the motor 170.

The motor 171 is a double-acting air motor connected with a power sourceby a fluid conduit and is controlled by a solenoid valve 185. Thesolenoid valve 185 is a conventional valve which is operable to vent oneside of the cylinder of the air motor 171 and apply pressure to theother side or to vent the other-side and apply pressure to the firstside of the cylinder to effect movement of a piston member 186 inopposite directions in the air cylinder. The piston member 186 isconnected with a piston rod 187. The outer end of the piston rod 187 isconnected with the arm of the bell crank member 143 to which the blockmember 142 is connected. The solenoid air valve 185 includes a firstsolenoid 190 and a second solenoid 191 for effective movement of thevalve between its positions. Energization of the solenoid 190 effectsthe application of air pressure to the upper side of the piston member186 of the air motor 171 and energization of the solenoid 1'91 effectsthe application of air pressure to the underside of the piston member186 of the air motor 171. When neither solenoid is energized, both sidesof the piston member 186 are vented so that the piston member 186 mayfreely move within the cylinder of the air motor without affecting thenormal operation of the press.

When the air motor 170 is energized to effect a throwoff movement of theblanket cylinder of the printing unit 11, fluid pressure is also appliedto the upper side of the piston member 186 in order to hold theactuating member 112 of the interconnecting means 110 and thereby holdthe bell crank member 143 from raising movement so as to preventmovement of the block member 142 by the operation of the linkage 110.This renders the linkage 110 ineffective to throw off the blanketcylinder of the printing unit 12 in response to the throw off of theblanket cylinder of the printing unit 11. If it is desired to throw offthe blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 by operation of the airmotor 171, it is necessary only to energize the solenoid 191, therebyapplying air to the underside of the piston member 186. This effectsvertical movement of the piston rod 187 and causes sliding movement ofthe block member 142 on the rod member 141 and causes movement of thebell crank member 143 to effect movement of the push rod 144 to move theplunger member 97 to its off position. Of course, this does not effectactuation of the mechanism 40.

If it is desired to throw on the blanket cylinder of the printing unit12 independently of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11, it isnecessary only to apply air pressure above the piston member 186. In sodoing, the piston member 186 will move downwardly causing downwardmovement of the bell crank 143 and cause movement of the push rod 144 tothe left, as viewed in FIG. 2, and causes movement of the plunger member97 to its thrownon position to effect movement of the blanket cylinder16 of the printing unit 12 to its thrown-on position. It

can be seen, therefore, that from the above description, the motor170'can be energized to effect throw-off of the blanket cylinder of theprinting unit 11. Moreover, the motor 171 is operable to render theinterconnecting means ineffective to throw off the blanket cylinder ofthe printingunit 12 when the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11 isthrown off by energization of the motor 170. Moreover, the motor 171 maybe energized independently of the 'motor to effect throw-off movement ofthe blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12.

As noted above, the throw-on and throw-off movements of the blanketcylinders of the printing units 13, 14 are effected by air motorssimilar to those described in connection wtih the printing units 11, 12and which will not be described in'detail in view of the similarity instructure.

The solenoid 177a for controlling the valve 177 and the solenoids 1190,191 for controlling the valve are energized upon; actuation of theswitches for the printing units 11, 12 and similar solenoids 177a, and191 for units 13, 14 are energized upon actuation of switches forcontrolling the printing units 13, 14. A particular circuit forenergizing the solenoids in response to the closing of the switches 161,162, 163, 164 is shown in FIG. 5, and the operation of the preferredembodiment of the present invention will be clear from the descriptionof the electrical circuitry shown therein.

As described hereinabove, when the handle 70 of the printing press 10 ismoved to its on position, it closes the switch 80. Closing of the switch80 completes a circuit from the power line 200 through the contacts ofthe switch 80, conductor 201, and relay 202 to the power line 203.Energization of the relay 202 causes normally open contacts202-1 of therelay 202 to close. Closing of the contacts 202-1 of the relay 202performs no function at this time, since they are in circuit with nowopen contacts. The printing press will o erate in its normal fashionwith throw-on and throw-off movements of the blanket cylinders inresponse to the presence or absence of sheets, as described hereinabove.When it is desired, however, to print a proof of the image and colorbeing printed in each of the printing units, or combination of units, itis necessary to render, as described hereinabove, the printing unitsineffective except the One or ones in which printing is desired.

If it is desired to throw off the first printing unit 11, switch 161 ismoved to its closed positiori, and the initiate proof switch 165 isclosed. Closing of the initialte proof switch 165 completes a circuitfrom the power time 200 through the normally closed contacts 205 of argelay operated by the photocell 150, conductor 206, 'normally closedcontacts 207-1 of a relay 207, conductor 208, the contacts of theinitiate proof switch 165, conductor 209, and relay 210 connected withthe power line 203. At the same time a current flows through anindicator light 211 which is in parallel with the relay 210.

Energization of the relay 210 causes the contacts 210- 1, 210-2, and210-3 thereof to close. Closing of contacts 210-1 provides a holdingcircuit around the initiate proof switch 165. Closing of the contacts210-2, 2103 does not immediately perform any function. However, as thetransfer cylinder of the printing unit rotates, a limit.

switch 220 is closed at a predetermined time in the press cycle. Whenthe limit switch 220 is closed, a circuit is completed from the powerline 200 through the now closed contacts 210-2 of the relay 210,conductor 221,

- now closed contacts of the selector switch 161, now closed contacts ofthe timing switch 220, conductor 223, and relay 224 to the power line203.

Energization of the relay 224 causes the relay contacts 224-1 and 224-2to close. Closing of contacts 224-1 establishes a holding circuit aroundswitch 220. Closing of the contacts 224-2 completes a circuit from thepower line 200 through the now closed contacts 202-1 of the relay 202,conductor 225, contacts 224-2 of the relay 224, conductor 226, andsolenoid 177a of the solenoid valve 177 to the power line 203. At thesame time, a circuit is completed from the power line 200 through theclosed contacts 202-1, conductor 225, normally closed contacts 230-1 ofa relay 230, conductor 231, now closed contacts 210-3 of the relay 210,conductor 232, and solenoid 190 of the solenoid valve 185 to the powerline 203. Energization of the solenoid 177a, as described above, causesair pressure to be applied to the left side of the piston member of thefluid motor 170 to cause throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder 16of the printing unit 11. Energization of the solenoid 190 of the valve185 causes air pressure to be provided on the upper side of the piston186 of the air motor 171 and, thus, prevents the linkage 110 to effectthrow-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 inresponse to throwolf of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11.Thus, only the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11 is thrown olf.Moreover, the timing of actuation of the switch 220 is such that thereciprocating plunger 48 is pivoted after the shoulders 49, 50 thereonpass the abutments '51, 52 on a return or down stroke, so that on thenext actuating or up stroke the blanket cylinder is moved.

If it is desired to throw off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit12, it is necessary to energize the selector switch 162. Energization ofthe selector switch 162 completes a circuit through the now closedcontacts 210-2 of the relay 210, conductor 221, contacts of the switch162, and contacts of a timing switch 240, which is closed at apredetermined time in the cycle of operation of the press, conductor241, and relay 230 to the power line 203. Energization of the relay 230causes the normally closed relay contacts 230-1 to open and the normallyopen relay contacts 230-2 and 230-3 to close. Closing of contacts 230-2provides a holding circuit around switch 240. Opening of the relaycontacts 230-1 breaks the circuit to the solenoid 190 of the solenoidvalve, described hereinabove, while closing of the relay contacts 230-3of the relay 230 completes a circuit from the power line 200 through thenow closed contacts 202-1 of the relay 202, conductor 225, now closedcontacts 230-3 of the relay 230, conductor 245, solenoid 191 of the airvalve 185, and conductor 246 to the power line 203. Energization of thesolenoid 191 and de-energization of the solenoid 190 of the valve 185,of course, as described hereinabove, causes the application of airpressure to the underside of the piston member 186 of the air motor 171and causes the actuation of the mechanism 90 for moving the blanketcylinder of the printing unit 12 to its thrown-off position.

It should be apparent from the above description that both the switches161, 162 may be energized at identical times in the operation of thepress and that the circuits described hereinabove in connection withthese switches may be operated to effect throw-off of the blanketcylinder of the printing unit 11, and the blanket cylinder of theprinting unit 12. Moreover, only the blanket cylinder 16 of the printingunit 12 may be thrown oif, if desired, by closing only switch 162. Thus,all of the blankket cylinders of these printing units may be thrown offor either one or the other may be thrown off independently.

In the event that it is desired to throw off the blanket cylinder of theprinting unit 13 or of the printing unit 14, it is necessary only toclose the switches 163, or 164 which completes circuits similar to thosedescribed hereinabove in connection with the switches 161 and 162.Closing of the switch 163 completes a circuit through the now closedcontacts 210-2 of the relay 210, conductor 221, closed contacts of thecontrol switch 163, closed contacts of a press timing switch 250,conductor 251, and relay 252 to the power line 203. Energization of therelay 252 causes relay holding contacts 252-1 thereof to be closedpermitting opening of the switch 250 Without deenergizing the relay 252.Energization of the relay 252 also causes relay contacts 252-2 to close.Closing of the relay contacts 252-2 completes a circuit through the newclosed photocell contacts 205, conductor 206, now closed contacts 252-2of the relay 252, conductor 255 and solenoid 177a corresponding with thesolenoid 177 of the printing unit 11, and conductor 256 to the powerline 203. Energization of the solenoid 177a, of course, energizes themotor corresponding with the motor 170 of the printing unit 11 to effectthrow-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 13. Atthe same time, a circuit is completed through the photocell controlcontacts 205, conductor 206, now closed contacts 260-2 of a relay 260,conductor 261, now closed contacts 210-3 of the relay 210, conductor262, and solenoid 190 corresponding with the solenoid 190 of the unit 12to power line 203. This causes air to be applied to the upper side ofthe motor corresponding with the motor 171 to prevent throw-off movementof the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 14 in response to and insequence with the throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of theprinting unit 13.

Throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 14 maybe effected, as in the case of printing unit 12, upon actuation of aseparate switch, namely, the switch .164. Closing of the switch 164completes a circuit through the now closed contacts 210-2 of the relay210, conductor 221, now closed contacts of the switch 164, closedcontacts of a timing switch 270 when the timing switch 270 closes,conductor 271, and relay 260 to the power line 203. Energization of therelay 260 causes relay contacts 2 60-1 thereof to close providing aholding circuit around the timing switch 270'.

The energization of the relay 260 also causes relay contacts 260-2 toopen breaking the circuit to the solenoid 190" and causes the relaycontacts 260-3 to close. Closing of the relay contacts 260-3 completes acircuit through the photocell control contacts 205, conductor 206, nowclosed contacts 260-3 of the relay 260, conductor 272, and solenoid 191'to the power line 203. Energization of the solenoid 191' causes the airto be applied to the underside of the piston member of the motor of theunit 14 corresponding with the motor 171 of the unit 12 to effect throwoff of the blanket cylinder of the unit 14. Throw-off movement of theblanket cylinder of the unit 14, of course, may be effectedindependently of or at the same time as throw-off movement of theblanket cylinder of the printing unit 13 in the same manner as thatdescribed hereinabove in connection with the printing units 11 and 12.

In the event that the operator is running progressive proofs withcertain of the blanket cylinders of the printing units in theirthrown-otf or non-printing positions and the printing press senses theabsence of a sheet, it should be clear that if the blanket cylinder ofthe printing unit 11 is not in its thrown-off position, it will beimmediately thrown off to its non-printing position. If the blanketcylinder of the printing unit 12 is not in its thrown-off position, itwill likewise be moved to its thrown-off position. This is effected dueto the fact that when no sheet is present, the latch, noted above, forthe handle is released and switch is opened. This de-energizes relay202, opening relay contacts 202-1 which immediately deenergizes thesolenoids 177a, 190, or 191, whichever may be energized.

When the photocell senses the absence of a sheet, the photocell contacts205 open, thus rendering throwoff of the blanket cylinders of theprinting units 13 and 14 ineffective and de-energizing solenoids 177a,19.1, whichever may be energized. The solenoid 151 will also bede-energized causing throw-off of the printing units 13 and 14 insequence. When the printing unit 14 is moved to its thrown-off position,a switch 280 is closed causing energization of the relay 207.Energization of the relay 207 causes the relay contacts 207-1 to openpreventing the energization of the relay 210 upon closing of theinitiate proof switch 165. Thus, the proof control is 17 renderedinoperative when no sheet is fed to the press, and thus it is necessaryto again actuate the control switches to obtain any progressive proofswhen the sheet material is restored.

From the above, it can be Seen that the printing press operator standingat the delivery station may actuate the printing press to effectthrow-off of the blanket cylinder of any one or of all of the printingunits so as to provide a proof of the color and image printed in each ofthe individual printing units or combination of units. In this manner,proofs of all of the images and colors being printed in the printingunits may be provided in an extremely rapid time period withoutrequiring the operator to leave the delivery station and withoutextensive down time of any one of the printing units.

It should be apparent from the above, that the present invention hasbeen described in considerable detail and that certain modifications,changes, and adaptations may be made therein by those skilled in the artto which it relates. For example, the initiate proof switch 165 could bewired into the circuit so as to require depression each time a selectorswitch is energized. Certain advantages would flow from such a circuit.Moreover, rather than the toggle switches 161464 being utilized in thecircuit, some other type of switch mechanism may be utilized and incertain applications, prepunched cards or tape may be utilized forclosing the contacts to provide for energization of the relays at thedesired time interval and in any desired combination sequence.

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-unit sheet printing press comprising at least first andsecond spaced printing units arranged in tandem and through which sheetsto be printed travel in sequence, means for sequentially feeding sheetsto said printing units, each printing unit including a pair of cylindermembers, said cylinder members of each unit being movable relativelybetween the printing position to print sheets travelling therebetweenand a non-printing position ineffective to print sheets travellingtherebetweeu, means operable selectively to relatively move saidcylinder members of consecutive units in sequence from their printing totheir non-printing positions, or to relatively move the cylinder membersof any one or any combination of units between their printing ornon-printing positions, and maintain the cylinder members in theirnon-printing position while the cylinder members of other units maintaintheir printing position and while sheets travel through all of theprinting units, said means operable selectively including a first throwmechanism for relatively moving the cylinder members of the firstunitbetween their printing and non-printing positions, and second throwmechanism for relatively moving the cylinder members of the second unitbetween their printing and non-printing positions, each of the saidthrow mechanisms including a reciprocating member movable in a returnstroke and an actuating stroke to actuate relative movement of thecylinder members and having first and second positions for relativelymoving said cylinder members of the unit to their printing andnon-printing positions respectively; each of said throw mechanismsincluding a pair of abutments which are engaged by respective portionsof said reciprocating member on its actuating stroke to effect relativemovement of the cylinder member of the unit; said means operableselectively further including control means for each unit energizable toactuate said throw mechanism of that unit, a separate control for eachunit, actuating means for actuating said control means for any unit inresponse to actuation of said control for that unit, said control meansincluding a solenoid means, said separate actuatable controls comprisingswitches in a circit for energizing said solenoid means, and saidactuating means comprising relay means for each unit in circuit with theswitch for that unit, said relay means having contacts operable toenergizersaid solenoid means for that unit, said actuating means furtherincluding timing means providing an electrical timing signal to eflectactuation of said relay means to provide for movement of saidreciprocating member between its first and second positions after saidrespective portions pass said respective abutments on said return strokeand prior to movement of said reciprocating member in an actuatingstroke.

2. A multi-unit printing press as defined in claim 1, further includingoperators control station at which all of said separate controls arelocated, said press further including a sheet delivery station and meansproviding for removal of the sheets from said delivery station forinspection purposes.

3. A multi-unit sheet printing press comprising at least first andsecond spaced printing units, each printing unit including an impressioncylinder and blanket cylinder defining a printing nip, the impressioncylinder of each unit having sheet grippers thereon for gripping a sheetand conveying it through said printing nip, means for transferringsheets from the grippers on the impression cylinder of said first unitto the grippers on the impression cylinder of said second unit,eccentric means for mounting the blanket cylinder of each unit androtatable to effect movement of the blanket cylinder between a printingand non-printing position relative to the impression cylinder of theunit, a respective throw oif mechanism for effecting a rotation of theeccentric means associated with the blanket cylinders of each unit andoperable to effect movement of the associated blanket cylinder relativeto the impression cylinder of the unit, said throw-off mechanism.including a pivotally mounted reciprocating member pivoted between firstand second positions to elfect actuation of said throw-off mechanism,mechanical means for pivoting the reciprocating member for the throw-offmechanism of said first unit to efiect actuation of the throw-01fmechanism of the first unit, said mechanical means comprising a manuallyactuated linkage means, means operable to effect actuation of thethrow-off mechanism of said second unit in sequence with actuation ofthe throw-off mechanism of said first unit and power operated proofingcontrol means for selectively actuating each of said throw-01fmechanisms independently of the other while sheets pass therethrough,said power operated proofing control means including respective solenoidmeans for effecting pivotal movement of said reciprocative memberbetween said first and second positions to actuate said throw-01fmechanism of each of said units independently of said mechanical means.

4. A multi-unit sheet printing press comprising at least first andsecond spaced printing units, each printing unit including an impressioncylinder and a blanket cylinder defining a printing nip, the impressioncylinder of each unit having sheet grippers thereon for gripping a sheetand conveying it through said printing nip, means for transferringsheets from the grippers on the impression cylinder of said first unitto the grippers on the impression cylinder of said second unit, a throwmechanism including a pair of eccentrics associated with the blanketcylinder of each unit and operable to effect movement of the associatedblanket cylinder relative to the impression cylinder of the unit, eachof said throw mechanisms including a reciprocating member movable in areturn stroke and an actuating stroke to actuate movement ofthe blanketcylinders relative to their impression cylinders and having first andsecond positions for relatively moving said blanket cylinders of theunits to printing and non-printing conditions respectively, each of saidthrow mechanisms including a pair of abutments which are engaged byrespective portions of said reciprocating member on its actuating stroketo effect movement of the blanket cylinders of the units, a mechanicallinkage operatively interconnecting the throw mechanisms of said firstand second units, and including a member selectively operable between afirst position in which said linkage is conditioned to cause the sec-0nd unit to be responsive to actuation of the throw mechanism of thefirst unit and a second position in which the linkage is conditioned toprevent operation of the throw mechanism of the second unit in responseto operation of the throw mechanism of the first unit, means foractuating both the throw mechanism of said first unit to effect movementof the blanket cylinder of the first unit to its nonprinting conditionand the member of the said linkage to its second position to preventmovement of the blanket cylinder of the second unit to its non-printingcondition in response to movement of the blanket cylinder of the firstunit to its non-printing condition, means for operating thereciprocating member of the second unit to efiect movement of saidsecond blanket cylinder to its non-printing condition while the throwmechanism of the first unit is in its printing condition, and meansresponsive to an absence of sheet detection to restore the member ofsaid linkage to its first position in the event either said first unitor said second unit is in its non-printing condition at the time saidsheet detection occurs.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Fischer 10 1-184 XR Kaddiland101-184 Horton et al 101-137 Auer 101-247 Albrecht 101-247 Wood 101-218Crawford 101-182 Klauss 101-184 Charlwood et al 101-184 FOREIGN PATENTSU.S. Cl. X.R.

